QUETTA: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday visited Quetta, where she met her Balochistan counterpart Sarfraz Bugti and assured him of complete political, administrative and security support from Punjab in the wake of recent militant attacks in the province.
The visit followed a wave of attacks across Balochistan on January 31 that disrupted normal life for several days. In response, security forces launched “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1”, killing 216 terrorists, according to official figures.
Addressing CM Bugti, Maryam said Punjab stood firmly with Balochistan. “As the chief minister of Punjab, as a Pakistani and as your sister, all services and resources of Punjab are at your disposal. Whatever cooperation or support you need — whether in operations against khawarij or in governance challenges — we are with you,” she said.
She added that she was only “a call away” if any assistance was required and expressed her willingness to work for the welfare of the people of Balochistan. Maryam noted that this was her first visit to another province since assuming office in February 2024 and said she was glad her first trip was to Quetta.
Referring to the security situation, she said Balochistan faced its own unique challenges from Fitna al Khawarij, a term used for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and praised Bugti’s “courage and firmness” in governing under such conditions.
Earlier in the day, the Punjab chief minister visited the Frontier Corps headquarters, where she said the level of commitment she witnessed was “very encouraging”. She prayed for the early eradication of terrorism from the province and said she hoped Balochistan would soon become “a cradle of peace, safety and happiness”.
According to the PML-N, Maryam also met Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, members of the provincial cabinet and leaders of allied parties, and attended an event at the FC headquarters.
Separately, CM Bugti welcomed the Punjab government’s announcement of Rs10 billion in assistance for Balochistan’s security forces, calling it a “positive and commendable step”. In a post on X, the CM Office quoted Bugti as saying the entire amount required by the security forces had been provided.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bugti described Maryam’s visit as “very respectful”, particularly at a time when the province was facing serious security challenges. He termed the financial assistance a “great justice” to Balochistan and said the provincial government and opposition were united for the welfare of the people.
